In an op-ed piece she wrote for the New York Times in Tuesday's edition of the paper, Jolie, 37, said that doctors had told her she carries a "faulty" gene that gave her an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer.

She made the decision to have a preventive double mastectomy, undergoing three months of medical procedures, which began Feb. 2 and were completed April 27. The procedures included reconstruction of both breasts with implants.

“I am writing about it now because I hope that other women can benefit from my experience," she wrote. "Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness. But today it is possible to find out through a blood test whether you are highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action."

Actors, filmmakers and other members of the Hollywood community spoke out on Twitter after hearing the news, many praising Jolie for her bravery.

Sheryl Crow: ‏
I commend Angelina Jolie for her courage and thoughtfulness in sharing her story today regarding her mastectomy. So brave!